CRAIG BELLAMY could be ruled out of Wales’ opening two World Cup matches, the Western Mail can reveal.

Craig Bellamy could be ruled out of Wales’ opening two World Cup matches.

The news will come as a huge blow to Welsh boss Chris Coleman, who on Wednesday named Bellamy (pictured right) in his squad for the looming clashes with Belgium and Serbia.

Cardiff City manager Malky Mackay says his Bluebirds’ talisman has torn a calf muscle and will be out of action for two weeks.

Bellamy will miss Cardiff’s home clash with Wolves this weekend, but Mackay hopes to have him back in harness for the September 15 Championship game with Leeds.

Mackay outlined the extent of Bellamy’s injury as he responded to speculation on Twitter about the player’s future.

“Craig has a tear in his calf and will be out for a couple of weeks,” said Mackay.

“I am hopeful he will be back for our match against Leeds.

“He is not at the training ground because I have told him to rest while he recovers.”

Mackay would not talk specifically about internet speculation on Bellamy’s future, but did maintain he expects him back in action for Cardiff soon.

The Wales World Cup situation appears more complicated, though, with Mackay saying the national team’s medics would have to make their own assessment on Bellamy.

When Coleman named Bellamy in his 23-man World Cup squad, it seemed unlikely his star man may not be available for the games against Belgium and Serbia. Bellamy had missed Cardiff’s 4-2 defeat at Bristol City last weekend because of his injury, failing an 11th hour fitness test.

He was expected to return against Wolves on Sunday and to then team up with Wales when they gather that evening.

However, scans have subsequently shown the calf problem was a tear and that means he will be out for more time than first expected.

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